Coach challenges squad

MACKAY Red Devils soccer coach Danny Beerhalter is sending out a challenge to all the players in his squad and the message couldn't be more clear ? ''perform if you wish to play against Brisbane Lions''.

Beerhalter is no doubt next week's game against the Bribane Lions at Airlie Beach is the major match on the State Cup program, however, players who think they will gain automatic selection had better think again as the team will be picked on merit.

Surprisingly Mackay Soccer Federation player of the year, Aaron Craig, comes into this category having only had a reasonable performance against Pine Rivers and playing well below his own high standards against the Gold Coast.

However, such a challenge could be very bad news for tonight's opponent, Wide Bay, as a fully firing Craig could well destroy an opposition that has gained some very ordinary State Cup results.

Craig is an exceptional player with a tremendous work rate who, on his day, is likely to draw interest from big clubs down south, and against Wide Bay he should get the opportunity to play to his full potential.

Beerhalter knows Craig is good footballer but points out that Magpies' Brent Ogilvie is also pushing his claims for selection.

Wanderers player Brett Neeve is almost certain to get time on the park tonight, said Beerhalter.

Moranbah's Adam Nicholson, however, is a certain starter as he will replace an injured Brad Palmer.

Nicholson, like Palmer, is a consistent performer but while he plays a tidy game in defence and is capable of pushing telling balls from the back, the aerial dominance of Palmer will be missed.